In recent years, the changes made to Augusta National made to "Tiger-proof" "protect" the course have resulted in in panic for golf traditionalists. Scottish golf writer, John Huggan, in his article "Augusta Turns Into Paradise Lost," makes the case that the members of Augusta National have destroyed the essential element of the course: mainly, that it rewarded inventive shotmaking and that players with different strengths and abilities could excel on it. It's definitely worth a read.
Huggan quotes various players' concerns about the changes, including this one from Joe Ogilvy with the most Gary McCord-like candor:
"It's like if you have a beautiful woman, but after her 20th or 30th plastic surgery she doesn't look as good."
Ouch. Perfect imagery. I must admit that I've frequented the Awful Plastic Surgery blog that tries to chronicle what celebrities have had doctors to do them, and well, I find it disturbing yet oddly compelling. Kind of like Ernie Els getting double bogey today on the first hole, and two more bogeys by hole 4.
(Hat tip: Houston's Clear Thinkers)
